Electronics Forum | Thu Nov 04 14:36:51 EDT 2010 | floydf
I need a second opinion. My operators us an air hose to clean out the aperatures in our stencils. It is my contention that this puts solder into the air, and could be harmful to us. It is the operators contention that I am crazy, and cite as proof
Electronics Forum | Thu Nov 04 19:04:49 EDT 2010 | eadthem
It would depend on the solder paste but the stuff we use is heavy enough that it wont go airborne. and theres really no other way to clean the apertures on a 0402 or similar part.
Electronics Forum | Fri Nov 05 03:53:29 EDT 2010 | Mark
The smallest particle sixe for type 3 paste in 25 microns. This is far to big to remain airborne.Therefore I would suggest to continue to use air to clean stencils as it does clean the apertures effectively.What solvent is used to clean the stencils?
Electronics Forum | Fri Nov 05 06:58:04 EDT 2010 | scottp
I agree with the others - I just don't see the danger. We've been using air to help clean stencils for decades.
Electronics Forum | Fri Nov 05 07:53:01 EDT 2010 | glenseely
What about trying to clean these stencils with a proper stencil cleaner? This way you wouldn't have to worry about sending anything airborne.
Electronics Forum | Fri Nov 12 17:06:07 EST 2010 | dwong
I would also be concerned about spreading solder paste on the walls/floor/equipment downstream of the air. This would then get transfered to hands, clothing and shoes. In turn, tracked out to the rest of the floor/building or even to the home of em
Electronics Forum | Thu Nov 04 14:48:48 EDT 2010 | spitkis2
You got my vote. I would not want to be on the other side of that stencil. Maybe your operators are just trying to save the company some money by collecting the excess solder paste and resuing it for future builds? I hope there are no bean count
Electronics Forum | Fri Nov 05 13:58:23 EDT 2010 | chartrain
I agree that the tines (webs between apertures) can become damaged on fine pitch stencils from a blast of air. If they get bent, the stencil won't seat and gasket properly allowing bleed out of paste. Of course we all know that the air being blasted
Electronics Forum | Fri Nov 05 12:25:42 EDT 2010 | deanm
I think you are right. According to IPC-7526 section 6.2 says that using compressed air to blow out paste will damage the stencil, especially between fine pitch apertures. It can also broadcast solder paste onto other surfaces or personnel. I recomm
Electronics Forum | Wed Jul 30 13:18:07 EDT 2008 | leemeyer
Ours are 1996 models. No special hoses needed, just attach the air hose and your ready to run.
